Automated image analysis for bladder cancer.

The genetic and epigenetic changes that occur during cancer development result in apparent morphological changes. Light microscopic image analysis provides objective assessment of cellular and nuclear morphology. The complexity of changes reflects the basic nature of dedifferentitation: a multi-hit process. Image analysis methods proved valuable for the assessment of malignancy in bladder cancer. Clinically applicable systems have been developed to diagnose urothelial cell cancer and predict prognosis. What is the place of these systems in daily practice?